All Blacks bolters
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There's likely to be one bolter surely. And hopefully nota Crusader. Robertson needs to prove he's a Wayne Smith not a Robbie Deans
Canes have one who is a year too early. But if he can bulk up and find a team to get game time Viljoen has a Smith-like pass. Plus, a good running and kicking game. Courage defender but so small still.
I don't think either TJ or Christie are even close to being anything but a short-term selection. We need Roigard back without loss of form and one other VG option.
Plummer will likely make it but again only as a short-term backup option until something better comes along/
And Ricky is another who really isn't even close to test hooker level. Be interesting to see how Tyrone goes in the final.
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@Frank said in All Blacks bolters:
Can Narawa cover fullback?
He's played there a little bit for both the Chiefs and BOP.
Speaking of fullbacks, it seems obvious that Jordan will be their preferred fullback (when fit) so that could factor into who is selected on Monday.
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@Frank said in All Blacks bolters:
Ruben Love looks like to coin a cliche - "a safe pair of hands" at fullback. He seems to be a good all-round player, but doesn't appear to have anywhere near the attacking capabilities of Jordan. I wonder if this needs further development.
Agree. But I have seen him do this for Wellington during 2022. But it's maybe an area where he needs more work.
But TBH I like a safe pair of hands at FB. Moorby at FB was always trying to create stuff. But maybe Love is just a bit too much in the opposite direction
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@Frank said in All Blacks bolters:
Ruben Love looks like to coin a cliche - "a safe pair of hands" at fullback. He seems to be a good all-round player, but doesn't appear to have anywhere near the attacking capabilities of Jordan. I wonder if this needs further development.
In what way doesn’t he have anywhere near the attacking capabilities? Hard to compare to Jordan as when he’s fit he’s one of the best 15’s in the world.
I’d argue that he has the most attacking capabilities out of all the fullbacks in the country behind Will Jordan when you factor in his all round game. Yes he has a way to go, but we haven’t even seem him in an All Black environment yet and all Love has done is get better and better each season.
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@MN5 said in All Blacks bolters:
@sparky said in All Blacks bolters:
Cullen Grace.
At fullback. Ahead of Love.
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@sparky said in All Blacks bolters:
@Grooter Dunno. He has played for the ABs in a while and he's not been talked about much as potential AB selection, but I could easily see Ryan and Robertson going with him.
Yeah I can see him and Strange getting in. I know Razor said a couple years ago that if he was coach he would select Grace in the ABs at that time. Imagine if he takes Sotutu's spot, that would be bloody harsh on the big fella.
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@Bones Choat's solid, bur was disappointed with how he played against the Crusaders when given the chance when Papali'i was rested. His discipline was really bad that night and it did show how much we need Papali'i in that Blues side and the gap between the 2.
Good SR player, but I don't think he'd ever come into AB consideration.
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@Mr-Fish said in All Blacks bolters:
Has anyone got any genuine bolter picks for the All Blacks? Guys who've not been widely discussed as possible selections (e.g. Lakai, Love, Ratima, Plummer).
I've said it before - and just to be clear I think it's a pretty slim chance - but I think Rameka Poihipi could have caught the eye, though would probably have a better chance if he'd played a few more games at 10 this year.
Otherwise, think a young 10 or lock could get a surprise summons.
Even though he’s been there for 5 minutes before (I blame Grant Fox), I reckon Cameron would be a genuine bolter if his name is on the squad list.
Last time round I think it was desperation more than anything. This season he’s surprised me with his control, kicking and general play.
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@African-Monkey said in All Blacks bolters:
@Bones Choat's solid, bur was disappointed with how he played against the Crusaders when given the chance when Papali'i was rested. His discipline was really bad that night and it did show how much we need Papali'i in that Blues side and the gap between the 2.
Good SR player, but I don't think he'd ever come into AB consideration.
Yeah I'm going purely off his brilliant cameo in the semi.
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@Bones said in All Blacks bolters:
@cgrant said in All Blacks bolters:
Sititi ?
He would be eh. Reckon they'll wanna bring him in later this year or next year so would be surprised.
I’d be surprised if he was in this initial squad given we have a number of excellent options and experienced test players still available.
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@sparky said in All Blacks bolters:
Cullen Grace.
He might make a certain Crusaders supporter’s Eye Patch XV, but I’m not sure he’s done enough to demand selection. When you’re on the fringe which is what Grace is, you basically have to be playing at a consistently high level to make the selectors take notice.
Certainly in the mix, but I count at least 5 or so other loose forwards that are probably in the same boat plus a further 3 loosies that I would say are dead certainties.
